kingdom). (Even) then the chief of Sung was beginning to be great, And
God raised up the son (of his daughter), and founded (the line of) Shang[1].

The dark king exercised an effective sway[2]. Charged with a small
state, he commanded success: Charged with a large state, he commanded
success[3]. He followed his rules of conduct without error; Wherever he
inspected (the people), they responded (to his instructions[4]. (Then
came) Hsiang-thu all ardent [5], And all within the four seas, beyond
(the middle regions), acknowledged his restraints.

[1. This line refers to the birth of Hsieh, as described in the previous
ode, and his being made lord of Shang.

2. It would be hard to say why Hsieh is here called 'the dark king.'
There may be an allusion to the legend about the connexion of the
swallow,--'the dark bird,'--with his birth, He never was 'a king;' but
his descendants here represented him as such.

3. All that is meant here is, that the territory of Shang was enlarged
under Hsieh.

4. There is a reference here to Hsieh's appointment by Shun to be
Minister of Instruction.

5. Hsiang-thu appears in the genealogical lists as grandson of Hsieh. We
know nothing of him but what is related here.]

The favour of God did not leave (Shang), And in Thang was found the fit
object for its display. Thang was not born too late, And his wisdom and
reverence daily advanced:--Brilliant was the influence of his character